Footwear cleaning device particularly for attachment to a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A cleaning brush which can be readily fitted to vehicle running boards, decks and the like can be used for the removal of debris from footwear, tools and other equipment. The brush combines a rigid substrate and a flexible matting material and the substrate provides both a means for mounting a mat and protecting it from impact.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention is directed to a footwear cleaning device, for instance a brush, which has a particular design to allow the device to be mounted to the outside of a vehicle to enable drivers to clean their footwear prior to entering the vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Drivers of trucks, lorries and semi-trailers often have muddy boots. It is advantageous to clean footwear prior to entering into the vehicle cabin. Muddy boots containing slippery soles can create a safety hazard, by slipping off the foot pedals in the cabin. The mud or dirt can be progressively scraped off onto the foot pedal which may result in the foot pedal being unable to function properly. Mud or dirt in a vehicle cabin can also promote rust and other types of corrosion.

[0003] It is known to provide a boot scraper which consists of a flat steel bar mounted to a support. The boot sole can be scraped over the bar to scrape off mud. A disadvantage with a flat steel bar is that it needs to be mounted to the outside of the vehicle cabin (typically on or adjacent a foot step), and the steel bar can create a tripping hazard, and a source of injury to a person accidentally striking the bar.

[0004] Hand operated boot brushes are also known, which consist of tough bristles attached to a wooden base. The person is required to strongly scrape the tough bristles over the shoe or boot sole. This is not convenient, as it often requires the boot to be removed, or it requires the person to adopt an awkward angle to enable the bottom of the boots to be properly cleaned. The cleaning process usually results in mud or dirt covering the person's hand which requires further cleaning. The boot brush quickly becomes coated or clogged with mud and dirt and also requires cleaning. There is usually not a convenient place to restore a thickly crusted boot brush anywhere in the vehicle. Therefore, hand operated boot brushes have not found wide appeal.

[0005] It is known to provide a foot mat which consists of an array of bristles attached to a backing member. The backing member is trapped within a channel shaped slot. The slot has a side wall which extends over the top of the backing member. The side wall prevents the base of the bristles from being used for cleaning, due to the height of the side wall. The foot mat contains different discrete areas of bristles, and areas where there are no cleaning bristles, and therefore is not very efficient in cleaning thickly encrusted drivers boots.

[0006] It is known to provide a shoe cleaning mat which merely consists of a flat base member on which cleaning bristles are attached. A disadvantage with this arrangement is that it is difficult to attach individual bristles, or groups of bristles to the base member. As well, the anchor points of the bristles to the base member are not well protected, heavy and thickly encrusted boots will quickly rip the bristles out of the base member.

[0007] It is known to provide a footwear cleaner which is a brush arrangement, where the brush is not in the form of the mat, but is instead in the form of separate strips. The brush strips are held in place in a channel. The channel has an edge which extends substantially along the height of the brush bristles and therefore much of the brush length cannot be used for effective cleaning.

[0008] In order to extend the life of a shoe or boot cleaning device, it is known to recess the bristles entirely within some form of surround frame such that the top of the bristles do not appreciably extend above the surround frame. To allow this type of device to function efficiently, the surround frame must encompass quite a large area to allow the entire boot to be wiped over the top of the bristles. These devices do not find particular success with attachment to the outside of a vehicle, due to the rather large size of the device. Also, it is quite difficult to clean this type of device as the bristles are substantially completely recessed within the surround frame, and the mud and dirt will simply stay within the surround frame. While a high-pressure jet of water would clean such a device, the device typically has to be held at an angle or vertically to allow efficient cleaning. Therefore, this type of device is not particularly suitable for permanent attachment to a vehicle step.

[0009] Therefore, to date, there has not been an effective and efficient footwear cleaning device which can be mounted to a vehicle step, or some other suitable part of a vehicle, and which can allow a driver to clean the bottom of his boots in a simple and efficient manner, and where the device provides some protection to prevent the bristles from being torn away, while still providing a good bristle contact area with the drivers boot.

[0010] There would be a distinct advantage to provide a boot cleaner which can be fixed to the outside of a driver's cabin, for instance on or near the steps, to clean boots every time the cabin in entered or exited.

[0011] A boot scraper consisting of a steel bar would be dangerous as it has a sharp edge which can cause injury. A boot brush would be impossible to fix in position and be strong and resilient enough to withstand knocks and rough treatment. This type of brush would also present a tripping hazard because of the presence of the large wooden base. Simply attaching known brushes to a step is unsuitable as the brush can be easily ripped away by an accidental kick from a heavy boot.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] After much research and experimentation it has been found that a combination of a particularly designed rigid backing plate typically in the form of a thin steel plate and a flexible bristle mat attached to the steel plate can provide an efficient robust and safe brush which can be attached to a support without being torn away through rough use. The bristle mat by itself is unsuitable as it is flexible to withstand kicks and scrapes, and is therefore easily torn away if attached to a step. A steel plate by itself is also unsuitable. The combination, however provides surprising and unexpected results and overcomes disadvantages of existing devices.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning brush which can be used by the vehicle drivers and others for cleaning extraneous materials from articles of clothing, tools and the like.

[0014] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example.

[0015] In one form of the invention, there is provided a footwear cleaning brush which comprises a backing plate and a bristle mat attached to the backing plate.

[0016] In a particular form, the invention resides in a footwear cleaning device which comprises a backing plate having a major surface and a mat attached onto the major surface, the mat having a base and a multiplicity of boot cleaning protuberances extending from the base, the base having an edge, the backing plate having a barrier formed in or on the major surface, the barrier having a height which approximates the thickness of the edge, the protuberances extending above the barrier.

[0017] In another form of the invention, there is provided a cleaning brush comprising a rigid substrate and a bristle mat fixed to the substrate, characterised in that the at least the base of the mat is protected by a barrier formed in or on the major surface of the substrate.

[0018] The footwear cleaning device is particularly suitable for attachment to the outside of a vehicle cabin. The device fined suitability for use with trucks, lorries, and other large vehicles.

[0019] The device has a backing plate. The backing plate is typically formed of metal such as steel, and may comprise a steel sheet or a steel plate. The size and shape of the backing plate can vary depending on the size of the entire device. To enable the device to efficiently clean the soles of boots and the like, the backing plate typically has a rectangular major surface which may have a length of between 20-60 cm, and a width of between 10-40 cm. The shape of the backing plate can vary depending on where the backing plate is attached to the vehicle. Typically, the backing plate will have a rectangular shape, but this may vary depending on its position of attachment to the vehicle.

[0020] The device is suitably attached to a vehicle step, or to a place where the driver will usually place his boot. While the device may be attached to a vehicle step, it is envisaged that the device may also be attached next to the vehicle step, or somewhere where the driver can easily place his boot.

[0021] The backing plate typically has a major surface. The major surface may be substantially planar. If the backing plate has a major surface, it may also have a minor surface. The minor surface may comprise a lip, flange, or other type of surface which is typically of smaller size than the major surface, and which is typically angled with respect to the major surface. The minor surface may facilitate in the attachment of the cleaning device to the vehicle, or to some other substrate.

[0022] The backing plate is typically substantially rigid, and therefore may comprise a steel plate having a thickness of between 2-5 mm. The backing plate should not be too thick as this will increase the weight and expense of the device, but can also present a tripping hazard for the driver. It is found that a thickness of between 2-5 mm can provide a good balance between rigidity of the backing plate, and a relatively low height to minimise a tripping hazard.

[0023] The backing plate may be provided with a barrier. The barrier may comprise a raised border extending from the major surface of the backing plate. The raised border is preferably part of the backing plate and can be formed by punching the rear of the backing plate to form the raised border in the front of the backing plate. Other types of raised borders are also envisaged. For instance, the raised border may comprise a separate member which is attached (eg, by welding) to the backing plate. The raised border may comprise a loop to enclose an internal space. The loop may be substantially rectangular when viewed in plan, although this may vary. The raised border may extend from the remainder of the backing plate by a height of between 2-8 mm, or a height which is substantially the same as the thickness of the base of the mat. The raised border may comprise a sloping front face and a sloping rear face to minimise the raised border being a tripping hazard, or a source of injury.

[0024] The mat may comprise a flexible bristle mat, which has a base, and a multiplicity of protrubances or bristles extending upwardly from the base. The base may comprise a strong tough rubber, plastic, or composite material. The bristles typically comprise tough plastic or other or composite material filaments. The filaments are preferably non-linear, and may be twisted, curved, and the like such that an array of such filaments presents a good tough cleaning surface. The bristles are attached to the base by any suitable means which may include adhesive, fusion by melting, physical attachment techniques and the like. The base may have a thickness of between 3-8 mm, and a thickness of the base typically determines the height of the raised border, it being preferred that the height of the raised border is substantially the same as the thickness of the base. The mat is typically rectangular when viewed in plan, and is sized and configured such that it can fit within the raised barrier on the backing plate. The mat may comprise a flexible base with flexible bristles. The mat may be synthetic. The bristles of the mat may be coarse plastic bristles. The bristles may be randomly intertwined.

[0025] The backing plate is preferably fabricated, extruded or roll formed from metal. The substrate can have a length and width suitable to allowing it to function as part of the brush. The mat may be fixed to a major surface of the backing plate.

[0026] The major surface of the backing plate may be pivotable or capable of inclination with respect to another part of the backing plate used to fix the brush to an article or object.

[0027] In one form, the backing plate is slidable in relation to a fixture member. The bristle mat can be formed from SPRAYGUARD™.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a top perspective of a cleaning brush in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention,

[0030]FIG. 2 is a cross-section at 11 of FIG. 1, and

[0031] FIGS. 3 to 3 b are end views showing the cleaning brushes of the present invention fixed relative to the running board (step) of a vehicle.

BEST MODE

[0032] With respect to the drawings a cleaning brush according to the present invention comprises a rigid substrate, in the form of a backing plate, generally indicated by arrow 1 having a flexible bristle mat generally indicated by arrow 2 fixed to a major surface 3 of the substrate.

[0033] In the instance illustrated the substrate is of an L-shaped cross-section comprising major surface in the form of a limb 3 and a minor surface in the form of a smaller depending limb 4.

[0034] The major limb 3 is provided with a centralised trough 5 into which a complementary bristle mat 2 is fixed. The plate can be a 5 mm thick metal plate.

[0035] A convenient size for the major surface is 100 mm×200 mm, and a thickness of 2-4 mm.

[0036] The substrate can be pressed from a metal.

[0037] Limb 4 can be used a means by which the brush can be fixed to the running board (step) 6 of a vehicle (FIG. 3), or alternatively the brush may be mounted in rails and slidable with respect to the running board 6 (FIG. 3a), or be pivotably fixed to the running board 6 (FIG. 3b).

[0038] When the major surface 3 is provided with a trough section 5 the base 7 of the mat is provided with a raised border 8 which protects the base from forces when a person's boot or other object is rubbed over the bristles 9.

[0039] An alternative to the provision of a trough would be to provide ribs (not shown) on two or all sides of the major surface.

[0040] The mat 2 may be formed from a product known as SPRAYGUARD™ which is a flexible matting material currently used for placement about the wheel arches of heavy vehicles to prevent splashing. This material is particularly suitable for cleaning debris such as sticky mud, grass and soils from objects.

[0041] As an alternative to the L-shaped substrate illustrated the substrate may be formed in a box-shaped material.

[0042] It is envisaged that, apart from the application to running boards, or other mounting points of vehicles, the brush of the present invention may be used in for removing mud and other debris from footwear such as golf and football boots.

[0043] Raised border 8 is sized to extend only to protect the base of the mat against being peeled off or kicked off the backing plate by a person's boot. Raised border 8 does not extend substantially higher than the thickness of the base. In this manner, substantially all the bristles can be used to clean the person's boots. This is particularly important as the boots at usually crusted with mud and dirt, and need to be cleaned as quickly and efficiently as possible. The bristles in the embodiment are curved and intertwined, and this means that substantially the entire length of the bristles can be used to clean the sole of the boot. This is an advantage over straight bristles. As the bristles extend above the raised border 8, there will be a continuous cleaning action as the vehicle is driven at speed due to wind passing through the bristles. As the border 8, in the embodiment, has an inclined front and rear face, this facilitates the person's boot passing over the border 8 and into the intertwined bristles for cleaning. Dirt and debris which is removed, and which falls into the bristle area, can be more easily removed by virtue of the border 8 having an inclined front and rear face, which allows the dirt and debris to more easily pass over the edge of border 8. Cleaning and washing of the device is also facilitated by allowing water and dirt is to more easily pass over border 8.

[0044] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus comprising: a housing having; an internal passageway through which the liquid can flow, an outlet, and an inlet, the outlet and the inlet communicating with the internal passageway, a radiation emitter comprising an elongate tube within said internal passageway and between said outlet and said inlet, the elongate tube having an upper end and a lower end, a cleaning device moveable along and for periodic cleaning the elongate tube, the cleaning device being heavier than the liquid passing through the internal passageway such that the cleaning device will naturally fall under gravity from the upper end of the elongate tube to the lower end of the elongate tube, the cleaning device comprising: a body, a passageway extending through the body to define an internal wall of the body, the elongate tube passing through the passageway such that the cleaning device is slideable along the elongate tube, cleaning means provided on the internal wall of the body to clean the wall of the elongate tube, at least one liquid flow passage extending through the cleaning device, the liquid flow passage having a surface which is angled relative to the flow of water through the internal passageway to impart a rotational force to the cleaning device as liquid flows through the flow passage.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the internal passageway has an upper portion which is above the outlet, the upper portion being sized to accommodate the cleaning device, the cleaning device being moveable into the upper position when liquid passes through the internal passageway and a lower portion which supports the cleaning device when the flow of water is stopped, the lower portion supporting the cleaning device above the inlet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the cleaning device moves under the influence of gravity to a lower position which is above the inlet of the housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the surface in the liquid flow passage comprises a radially extending blade.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein a plurality of radially extending blades are provided to define a plurality of liquid flow passages.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the cleaning device has an outer edge which is closely spaced from an inner wall of the internal passageway such that fluid is caused to flow through at least one liquid flow passage.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the cleaning means comprises felt pads.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the internal passageway is cylindrical, and the elongate tube of the radiation emitter comprises a cylindrical tube which is positioned centrally within the passageway.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the inlet and the outlet are at positions diametrically opposite to each other.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the liquid flow does not reverse in the apparatus. 